Fernandes suggests Liverpool supporters turned against their own team during Anfield loss

Liverpool’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield sparked predictable reactions from the visitors, with Bruno Fernandes quick to share his thoughts on the home atmosphere. The United captain suggested that the frustration from Liverpool fans actually benefited his side as they handed the Reds a fourth consecutive loss.

In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Fernandes explained that United’s dominant first-half performance unsettled sections of the Anfield crowd.

> “The fans were putting themselves in a difficult position because they were booing a little for them to play a bit quicker,” he said. “That’s how Liverpool likes to play.”

The Portuguese midfielder added that by slowing the tempo, United were able to exploit “massive spaces down the middle,” and praised his team’s “very good first half” as part of a deliberate tactical approach.

It was another frustrating afternoon for Arne Slot’s men, who hit the post three times before Cody Gakpo equalised, only for Harry Maguire’s late header to clinch United’s first Anfield victory in years.

The result leaves Liverpool third in the table and under increased scrutiny following a difficult start to their title defence.

After the match, Virgil van Dijk shared a photo of The Kop’s “Support & Believe” banner — a message urging unity amid the slump. Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher raised alarm over Liverpool’s defensive issues, commenting during the broadcast: “Liverpool are just not at the races defensively. Until they fix that, they can’t win the league.”

Fernandes’ remarks only add to those worries, hinting that the home supporters’ tension played into United’s strategy. Slot, who named the same starting XI that lost to Chelsea before the break, will now be under pressure to inspire a reaction — both from his players and the Anfield crowd.

As Fernandes summed up, “We knew they were under pressure when they had time on the ball… we had to enjoy that.”